Easy English

DISCOURSE MARKERS are words or phrases used for organizing the flow of conversation (e.g. anyway, you know, so, etc). When used properly, discourse markers may be indicative of a higher level of language proficiency. Keep in mind that...

Used as a reaction to someone’s words (when you think that what’s been said is very obvious). “I’m starting to think that Ronda married Larry for his money…” “Well, duh…”

Used when you believe that someone is doomed to fail and their efforts are fruitless. “You think you can just walk into Pilkington’s office and convince him to move the deadline? Good luck with that.” *Some common phrases may be used...

Used before telling someone exciting news. “Guess what? I just saw Terry and he told me I am getting promoted next month!”

Used as a reaction to smth you are completely unimpressed with or unhappy about. “Are you excited about your in-laws moving into your neighborhood?” “I’m ecstatic.” *Some common phrases may be used in a sarcastic way. It’s usually the...

BE ON TOP OF SOMETHING – to be in control or aware of something Mr. Fatred frowned looking through financial reports: the real spending didn't correspond to the figures on the paper. Of course, he was on top of the leakage because all...

TO GET THE HANG OF SMTH – to learn how to do smth. Mike Klutz was a well-known scientist and there was no question that he was a very smart guy but he could never get the hang of any kind of paperwork. TO GET ONE’S HEAD AROUND SMTH – to...

TO BE UP IN THE AIR – to be undecided/unsolved/unsettled. “We can’t keep leaving this problem up in the air anymore,” said Marty, humorlessly. “We need to do something about it.” TO CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN ONE COMES TO IT – to solve a...

TO AGREE TO DISAGREE – to decide to not continue arguing because neither of the opponents would change their opinion There are many couples in the world: young, just married couples, who think that their life will be filled with love and...

TO NOT DO THINGS BY HALVES – to do things properly, thoroughly, with effort. A: I knew you didn’t do things by halves, but I never expected to see such a masterpiece! TO GO THE EXTRA MILE – to do more than was required or expected of...

OUT OF THE BLUE – to happen absolutely unexpectedly Ganzo was sitting on the sofa with a glass of beer when Terry burst into the room. His younger brother regularly vanished for several days and then appeared out of the blue. PAR FOR THE...

TO HAVE DISASTER WRITTEN ALL OVER IT – to show clearly that something or someone is going to fail or have disastrous results Jillian tries to focus her attention on evidence she found in these 3 weeks. The situation has disaster written...